by Amy Ruttan
“No bars?” he asked.
“No bars. No reception at all.” She put the cell phone back in her purse.
“You’ll be all right.”
She nodded. “Okay, don’t be long.”
“I won’t.” He shut the door and waited as Sheridan pulled the latch in. At least she would be safe from any predators lurking out in the woods, and he didn’t mean the carnivorous kind.
The snow was letting up a bit, but it was deep and heavy. If he could keep her fed, warm and well-rested tonight they could head back to his patrol car in the morning. A squad would be out looking for him when he didn’t return from his beat.
By morning his radio should be able to pick up a satellite connection to his detachment. Provided the blizzard let up.
One of the downfalls of living at the top of the world, there wasn’t a cell phone tower always in range.
His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he listened for the sound of a small animal, which would be easy to hunt. Within moments he homed in on a small grouse. He stalked it quickly and brought it down. A clean shot that took off its head. Gordon picked it up. It was scrawny, but a least it was decent nourishment for Sheridan.
He headed back to the cabin, cautious and listening for any sound of another male in the region. This Levi character was really all he had to be worried about, but if there were indeed other Mukswa in the region they would be able to sense a female in heat for at least fifty kilometers, and if they weren’t mated they would be drawn to her.
It had happened to him once in his decade up in Dawson City.
The scent of the female had been faint, just light as it carried on the breeze. He was in the middle of a stakeout when it happened. He almost dropped cover and ruined the entire operation because of his instinctual need to seek out the source of the female’s scent.
It had taken all of his willpower that day, it was a true test of his mettle and he had been proud that he could walk away. Only he hadn’t been able to resist Sheridan.
Sheridan affected him profoundly and it scared him.
It made him seriously consider going back to his clan, which is something he never thought about doing since the shift that had almost killed his younger brother. Gordon had lost control and mauled his brother pretty bad. Though he had been forgiven, nightmares plagued him and the bear became harder to control. It frightened him the way the bear had controlled his life and every time he saw his brother’s scars the guilt ate him alive.
So he gave up his life in the clan. He ostracized himself and became a Lone.
With the discipline in the RCMP training he learned to be patient and control his shifts, until he was able to completely keep the bear locked away. Now with Sheridan in the picture he really wanted to return to his clan, but the only way he would do that is if she were his mate, but she couldn’t be.
She was running from a mate. Granted the man was abusive by the way he had whipped her back, but Sheridan Stevens was different from other Mukswa women. Other women in her position would’ve never thought to give their virginity away, especially not to a Lone like him.
He was so screwed.
If her clan found out what happened it could start a war between his family’s clan and hers.
It wouldn’t matter that he was the chief’s son.
Not only had he stolen another man’s intended, but he took Sheridan’s virginity and came in her while she was in heat.
Gordon pulled out his Arkansas toothpick and cleaned the grouse, plucking its feathers and disemboweling it. He covered the remnants with stone to keep away any curious scavenger or predator.
He headed back to the cabin, the smoke billowing up from the chimney a welcome sight.
Almost homey.
No, don’t think that way. He couldn’t think that way.
He knocked three times. The latch slipped through the hole and he opened the door. Sheridan had dressed and been busy going through the rations.
Gordon pulled the latch in for the night.
“I’ve found some canned potatoes, some beans and a little bit of flour. What did you find?”
“A grouse.” He held up the bird and she wrinkled her nose.
“You killed that?”
“Do men in your clan not hunt?”
“The corporate world and maybe even the bars, but no, the men in my clan are not very outdoorsy.”
Gordon cocked an eyebrow. “How…odd.”
“I don’t think so,” Sheridan mumbled as she opened the can of beans. “I guess I’m used to it because I grew up that way. A more citified clan.”
“True.” Gordon lanced the bird on a spit and set it over the fire. He pumped some water out of the water pump.
“I am so not used to rusticity.”
He chuckled. “Well, if you want to hide out up here you better get used to it.”
Sheridan’s smile disappeared and she trembled, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.
“Sheridan, are you okay?”
“Just a bit woozy.”
Gordon was beside her in an instant. He peeled back her gauze bandage. The laceration was fine, there was no new bleeding. He pulled out his penlight and checked her pupils. No sign of a concussion, and as he felt her skull, there was no sign of a contusion either.
“Are you some kind of Mountie doctor now?”
He smiled. “I have my certification in first aid and trauma. It’s handy when you live out in the sticks.”
“I think I just need to sit down.” She padded over to the mattress and sank down on it, staring at the fire.
“The bird won’t be done for a while. Why don’t you have a nap?”
The cabin shuddered as the wind began to howl. Gordon glanced out the window and saw that it was snowing harder again. They’d be really hard-pressed to find their tracks in the snow now. This storm might rage for a couple days.
“I don’t feel safe,” she whispered.
“You are safe.”
“I know, but come sit with me please.”
Gordon nodded and washed his hands before coming and sitting on the mattress next to her. She snuggled against his body and he could hear her heart beating rapidly. Sheridan was frightened, alone, and all he wanted to do was comfort her, protect her and he couldn’t.
She was not his.
Not by the code that all Mukswa followed.
Fingers circled his nipple through his shirt sending a delightful shiver down his spine. His nipple peaked and she squeezed it. It hurt, but he liked the pain.
“Sheridan,” he warned as his groin tightened, his cock getting harder by the second.
“You know how you can make me feel safe, Gordon?”
“How?” he asked, nuzzling her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent.
“Mate with me again.”
He groaned. “I want to so much, Sheridan, but I lose myself with you. I told you before, I’m no good for you. I’m an outcast.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” She pushed him against the mattress with surprising strength and he was too weak to fight her. He didn’t want to fight her, he wanted her so badly.
He was drawn to her luscious, pink, soft lips. Gordon noticed in the short time he’d known her that she always bit her lip when she was nervous and she was biting it now. It just endeared her more to him and right now all he could think about were those moist lips wrapped around his cock.
Gordon watched as she stripped off all her clothes. Her clean-shaven pussy made his dick strain painfully against his pants.
“What are you going to do to me?” he asked, not that he really cared at this moment. Whatever she wanted to do he wasn’t going to stop her.
“Wait and see, Constable Thomas. Just you wait and see.”
Sheridan leaned over and unzipped his pants, tugging them down over his hips. He hadn’t put on his briefs and he was thankful for that as her hungry gaze fell on his dick. He lay back down on the bed and she leaned over him again, her delectable little ass stick
ing up in the air as she began to slowly undo the buttons to his shirt.
Sheridan peeled it back and gently ran her hands over his chest. Her fingers trailed down his abdomen, grazing his cock and balls.
He sucked in a deep breath. “You drive me wild,” he whispered.
She grinned like a Cheshire cat. “I know.”
Her small hand gripped the base of his shaft. Her hand barely encircled his cock. Her hands were so delicate, as was she.
God, he’s so big.
Gordon startled. “Did you say something?”
“No, would you like me to say something?” She nibbled his ear lobe. “Would you like me to talk dirty?”
His heart began to race. If she didn’t utter those words then she had thought them, which meant their minds were linked, which was common for their people in mated couples.
Oh God, I didn’t mean for this to happen.
Gordon waited to see if she heard him, but she didn’t give indication that she did as she continued to nibble his earlobe.
He shouldn’t worry about it. What was done was done, though he felt extremely guilty for coming inside her, linking them together. At least he had not made the mate mark yet and he wouldn’t. Really he should stop her right now, but he had no strength when it came to Sheridan. Her scent intoxicated him to the point he couldn’t make rational decisions.
Sheridan’s hand slipped under his shirt. “I can talk dirty to you if you want.” She dragged her lips from below his earlobe down his neck, laying kisses along his collarbone. It heated his blood and it was hard to contain the beast when it came to her.
“Do you know how to talk dirty?”
She bit her lip and blushed as she straddled his hips. He wrapped his arms around her waist. As she pressed his body closer he could feel her nipples, hardened into peaks under her shirt.
“I can certainly give it a try,” she whispered. “Would you like me to try?”
Gordon licked his lips and then ran his hands up under her shirt to cup her breasts. She moaned as he rubbed his thumbs across her nipples, arching her back. He stared at her long, graceful neck and ran his tongue up it before nuzzling it.
“So talk dirty to me. I’m eager to hear it.”
Sheridan giggled. “Perhaps I bit off more than I can chew.”
“Is that so?” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I quite like biting.”
“You do?” She leaned forward and gently bit his neck.
“Yeah, that’s good. I like your mouth on me.”
“Where else would you like my mouth?”
“I can think of one thing in particular that could use some kisses.”
“I think I can accommodate your request, Constable Thomas.”
“That would be very good indeed.”
Sheridan grinned wickedly and pushed him back against the mattress.
“I do have one more request if you’ll indulge me, Miss Stevens.”
“Perhaps,” she teased.
“I want you naked.”
A delectable little blush crept up her neck. She stood and pulled her top off. Her perky breasts made him growl in appreciation. Her jeans came off next with her black-lace thong. Gordon licked his lips, recalling the taste of her sweet pussy.
“I see that predatory look in your eyes,” she whispered.
“What look?” he asked innocently.
“That predatory look, like you want to eat me alive.”
He winked. “Well I am a predator, but only hungry for you.” He tried to grab her but she pushed him back down.
“I’m in control here, Constable Thomas. Too bad you don’t have any handcuffs.”
“They’re in my cruiser.”
“Pity.” Sheridan kissed his abdomen, circling her tongue around his belly button.
“Why do you want me tied down?” His voice hitched in his throat.
“So I can suck you until you come.”
Her erotic words set his blood on fire. Sheridan’s hand circled the base of his cock. She ran her tongue down one side and up the other before tracing the tip of her tongue around his glans.
“Fuck, that’s good.” He bucked up at her, begging her to take his whole cock in her mouth.
“I’m glad it meets with your approval. It’s my first time sucking a man’s cock.”
Gordon groaned as she sucked him into her mouth. Her hot, wet tongue caressed the underside of his head. He thrust up at her as he fucked her mouth. Her hand pumped and stroked his shaft as she bobbed up and down on the head of his cock. His balls tightened as she sucked him, his release imminent.
“Going to come. God, so good.”
Sheridan flicked his head with the tip of her tongue, stroking the sensitive underside before pulling away. “Come in my mouth. Let me taste you.”
“God,” he grunted as he shoved his dick back in her mouth. His fingers gripped the back of her head as he thrust up at her, his hot seed releasing as she sucked him dry. Once he was spent he lay back against the mattress. Every nerve ending in his body had been ignited and now it was as if he had been reduced to cinders.
Sheridan padded over to the sink and cleaned up while he admired the view. She was beautiful and voluptuous with cream-colored skin that was soft as silk. Her strawberry-blonde hair fell in waves down her back.
She was a figure that could inspire artists. If he had to picture a muse, she would be it. Of course he was no poet, just a beast.
“Think that chicken is done? I’m really hungry.”
He chuckled and tucked his arms behind his head. She sauntered over to him.
“Really, is it done? It smells done. I’d love to have some of…whatever that bird is.”
“Grouse,” he replied, trying not to laugh.
She wrinkled her nose. “That’s a strange name. Sounds like a weird cartoon character or something.”
“It’s a bird. Trust me.”
“I do, I just wonder why you didn’t hunt us up something meatier, like a cow or buffalo.”
He arched an eyebrow. “And how would I take down a buffalo?”
“Use your bear abilities to the fullest.”
“I would’ve but I don’t shift.”
Her eyes widened. “Why not?”
“It’s not…it’s because I can’t control my bear form. So I don’t shift.”
“I’ve never heard of that before. Is that why you’re a Lone?”
Gordon nodded. “I outcast myself after I mauled my brother Dave.”
“I’m sorry, Gordon. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“It’s all right. It’s my burden to bear.” He sat up and headed to the spit where the bird was roasting. “Still hungry? The grouse is ready.”
“Sure…uh, does it taste like chicken or something else?”
“Tastes better than chicken, there’s nothing like hunting a grouse down and cooking it over a fire.”
Sheridan wrinkled her nose again. “I’ll take your word for it.”
“Obviously your clan was a bit more modern-focused than mine.”
“Apparently! You were taught survival skills while I was taught about couture.” Sheridan sighed sadly.
“You miss your clan, don’t you?”
She nodded. “I do. I’ve never been on my own.”
“You want to go back to Winnipeg?”
“I do. I hate being away from my clan.” She brushed away a stray tear. “Don’t you want to go back to yours?”
“No. It’s for the best. I don’t trust myself around other clans-people.”
Sheridan opened her mouth to say more, but she didn’t. It was for the best that he stayed away from his family. It was bad enough being trapped here with her and fighting the urge to shift constantly. Even just thinking about it now was difficult for her. He rolled his neck trying to ease the tension.
“I’ll get that bird carved up.” He cleaned himself up before pulling the bird off the spit and taking it to the table to cut up. Gordon served up the bird with some warmed bean
s. Sheridan seemed to enjoy it, but they ate in silence for the most part, except that he could hear her thoughts.
Why is he so afraid of who he is? How bad did he hurt his brother? Why didn’t his people show him compassion? He’s not a bad man. He shouldn’t be so afraid.
Her compassion, her understanding and her trust struck a chord deep inside him. Sheridan trusted him with her life. She trusted his abilities to shift and not harm her. It pleased him because his clan’s people never fully trusted him, but Sheridan—a complete stranger—trusted him.
Unfortunately he didn’t trust himself.
Chapter Four
You belong to me. Never forget it.
Sheridan woke with a start, Levi’s words still burned fresh in her brain. Haunting her. Daylight filtered through the shuttered windows. She slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Gordon, who was sleeping peacefully beside her. The fire had been reduced to nothing but embers and she shivered from the cold. Gordon’s parka was lying on the floor and she slipped it on before padding toward the window.
The wind howled and a draft of cold air seeped through a crack. When she flicked up a slat she frowned to see large drifts of snow. It was deep and packed high against the house. To make matters worse it was still snowing.
You belong to me. You can’t run. I will find you.
Sheridan shuddered again. Levi’s voice was louder in her head and it scared her. No, it terrified her to the core.
Levi was a vicious Mukswa. He had so many men working for him in his illegal drug ring. He was the godfather of some strange mob that he ruled with an iron fist and why he wanted her made no sense.
She saw the women he usually had draped all over him, she was too plain to attract his attention. Too curvy compared to the bone-thin women he fucked in front of her, many times.
Sure, she came from money and good breeding, but Levi had more money than her family had.
Yet he paid a bridal price to her father. Levi chose her as his mate and then proceeded to beat her and show her who was boss.
Sheridan watched while he butchered men in front of her and she just couldn’t stand to see Gordon be tortured to death.
She bit her lip, there was no choice. She had to leave. She’d walk until she came to the road and she was pretty sure she knew where that was.
